HFS Division of Child Support Services Named Outstanding Program of the Year

CHICAGO - Today the Illinois Division of Child Support Services, administered through the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) received the 2010 Outstanding Program of the Year award. The honor was awarded by the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA) at its annual conference and expo, which is taking place today (Aug. 9) through Wednesday (Aug. 11) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers in Chicago.

"Every child is entitled to financial support by both parents and our Child Support Services Division works every day to ensure these children are protected," said HFS Director Julie Hamos. "I am extremely proud of the work of this division and its commitment to continually strive for better outcomes for the families of Illinois."

The Outstanding Program of the Year Award recognizes programs that have consistently exemplified the best in child support enforcement through an outstanding record of performance, and in providing effective services to its community.

"Our employees continue to amaze me and this award should stand as a testament to their tireless efforts to help protect some of the most vulnerable citizens of our state," said HFS Administrator of Child Support Services Pam Lowry. "While this award is a great honor, we are constantly looking for ways to improve services for families and we are dedicated to continue our efforts to make the Illinois Child Support system second to none."

Governor Pat Quinn's Chief of Staff, Jerry Stermer, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the state. Stermer also announced Governor Quinn's proclamation naming August 2010 as Child Support Awareness month.

Since 2001, HFS' focus on improving the child support program has resulted in significant gains for Illinois families. HFS collections for FY2010 were $1.36 billion, the sixth consecutive year of collections greater than $1 billion.

For more information about HFS' Child Support Services Division, please visit http://www.childsupportillinois.com